At Grand Rapids Community College, we recognize the critical role energy consumption plays in both environmental impact and financial stability. As energy costs rise and environmental concerns grow, GRCC is taking proactive steps to minimize energy consumption across campus.
Energy Savings Achieved
Over the past 16 years, GRCC has saved more than $14 million through energy conservation efforts.
Since launching our energy program in May 2008, we have successfully reduced energy consumption by 724,700 MMBTU’s. This reduction is equivalent to eliminating 38,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, or the impact of 8,282 passenger cars off the road or 1,181,100 trees planted.
Energy Conservation Program
The GRCC Energy Conservation Program is designed to reduce energy consumption, particularly when buildings are unoccupied. However, the program also encourages students, faculty and staff to adopt mindful conservation habits with thermostats, lighting, computers and other resource-consuming systems. Together, we can make GRCC a shining example of resource stewardship, not only for the environment, but also for the savings of taxpayer and tuition dollars.
Award for Energy Stewardship
GRCC has received the Award for Energy Stewardship twice — once in September 2009 and again in July 2011. This award recognizes the positive environmental impact of the college's energy initiatives. GRCC is proud to be an Energy Star Partner and an EPA Green Power Partner, and in 2011, we were named Green Generation Customer of the Year by Consumers Energy. GRCC currently purchases approximately 13% of its energy from green sources through Consumer Energy.
Business Clean Energy Program
GRCC participates in Consumers Energy’s Business Clean Energy Program, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and energy conservation on campus. You can find plaques recognizing this partnership in different locations around campus — be sure to look for them!
In 2023, GRCC reduced its overall electricity usage on the main campus by 3% — equivalent to 210,034 kWH, enough to power the average 2000 square-foot home for 19 years! GRCC also works with Consumers Energy to conduct building system audits and implement energy-saving measures, such as replacing halogen light fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs at Tassell MTEC. These updates help us reduce electricity consumption and lower operational costs.
While small behavioral changes, like turning off lights and taking the stairs, offer significant savings, making upgrades to older, less efficient buildings provides substantial long-term benefits for GRCC, the environment, and the energy grid we share!
Sustainability Measures
GRCC has adopted procedures to help achieve its energy management goals. The success of this program depends on the collective participation of staff, students and faculty. Simple energy conservation measures can result in significant financial and environmental impact.
For more information, please refer to GRCC’s Energy Policy on Policies webpage.
Lighting
Interior Lighting:
GRCC has transitioned to LED lighting throughout campus, significantly reducing energy use. Occupancy sensors ensure lights are only on when needed.
Faculty, staff and students should make certain lights are off when leaving an empty room.
Exterior Lighting:
All exterior lighting can be monitored and changed by Building Automation and Control Systems (BAS), allowing lights to be adjusted based on time of day and weather conditions. LED lighting has been installed in parking ramps for improved energy efficiency..
Daylight Harvesting/Use of Natural Lighting:
GRCC makes the most of natural light in classrooms and offices, using sensors to adjust interior lighting based on available daylight.
Computers and Office Equipment Power Management
Since 2008, GRCC has partnered with ENERGY STAR by making the Low Carbon IT Campaign Power Management Pledge by activating power management settings on all computers. Sleep mode is enabled by default, and faculty and staff are encouraged to turn off all computers and electronic equipment at the end of the day to save energy.
Appliances
Only Energy Star-certified appliances are used in common areas, and all departmental appliances must be approved by the Executive Director of Facilities. Personal appliances, such as space heaters, are prohibited, with exceptions granted on a case-by-case basis.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Doors:
To optimize HVAC efficiency, classroom and other doors should remain closed when HVAC systems are operating.
Temperature Guidelines:
Heating season: Occupied 67° - 71° F Unoccupied 55° F
Cooling season: Occupied 72° - 76° F Unoccupied 85° F
The unoccupied time should begin when the students, facility or staff leave an area.
The Energy Project Manager will make every effort to verify occupancy patterns and modify HVAC schedules to eliminate wasted energy in unoccupied spaces. Any room scheduling changes outside of normal building hours must be communicated to the Building Manager or Energy Manager and scheduled in 25Live at least a week in advance to ensure occupied settings for the room. Late requests may not be accommodated.
Exceptions will be made for areas that require specific temperature control (some laboratory areas, animal science, medical, etc.). Approval is required from the Executive Director of Facilities.
Relative humidity levels should not exceed 60% for any 24 hour period. Notify the Energy Project Manager or Facilities if you suspect high humidity levels indoors.
Electrical
Submetering:
GRCC has implemented sub-metering electrical which measures and records the electricity consumption of individual buildings. This allows for more accurate energy use readings and the ability to conserve. This data can help reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
Energy Saving Tips
Energy Conservation Reminder
GRCC faculty and staff are key contributors to our energy-saving efforts. When you prepare for holiday breaks or extended periods of downtime, please take a few minutes to prepare your area for shutdown:
Classrooms/Offices
Unplug refrigerators, clean and prop open their doors, power down copiers, printers, monitors and other equipment.
Laboratories
Turn off unnecessary lab equipment and close fume-hood sashes.
Phantom Loads
Many appliances consume energy even when turned off. These “energy vampires” include electronics like TVs, chargers and printers. Help us reduce unnecessary energy use by unplugging devices when not in use or connecting them to a power strip that can be easily turned off. Did you know?
To figure out how much electricity your lights use, follow this simple formula:
Daily Cost = Wattage X Time X Rate per kWh ÷ 1000
*average rates vary between 9 and 12 cents per kwh
A computer with a 17-inch LCD monitor left continuously running will cost approximately $128 a year to power at $0.09 per kWh. Turning a computer off at night so it runs only 8 hours will cost only $43 a year, or a 66% yearly savings.
Together, We Make a Difference
GRCC’s commitment to sustainability is a shared responsibility, and every step we take helps create a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly campus. Thank you for contributing to our ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption, protect the environment and save costs for the college and the community.